Bsun Pine vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to tactile mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Pine and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura are two popular options to consider. The Bsun Pine switches are praised for their sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer a snappy response and a buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of tactility without being overpowering. While the Pine switch is described as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Purple Sakura is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Snappy'. Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specific features will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, it is evident that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material in the top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is also ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Pine utilizes nylon while the Purple Sakura also opts for nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing, the key point of differentiation lies in their choice of bottom housing material. While the Pine's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience. Both switches maintain a balance between the top and bottom housing materials, allowing users to feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel while experiencing the influence of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the use of nylon in the bottom housing enhances the overall typing experience, ensuring a pleasant and satisfying feel to each keystroke.
In conclusion, the Bsun Pine and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura may have similar top housing materials in polycarbonate, but their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences, with the Pine's nylon bottom housing producing a deeper sound compared to the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to provide users with a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in the overall performance and sound quality of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is evident that the Pine is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Purple Sakura at 50 grams. However, the Pine is heavier in terms of bottom out force at 65 grams, while the Purple Sakura has a slightly lighter bottom out force at 60 grams. Both switches fall under the medium category, but the Pine offers a bit lighter actuation force and a heavier bottom out force compared to the Purple Sakura. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch for typing over longer periods may lean towards the Pine, while those who prefer a slightly more substantial typing experience may prefer the Purple Sakura. Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches differ slightly, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience with either option.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. The Pine switch has a slightly longer travel distance than the Purple Sakura switch, which may provide a slightly deeper feel when typing or gaming. However, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them suitable choices for those seeking a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding the feel of the switch when pressed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the BSUN Pine tactile switch is known for its neutral sound signature, making it suitable for various environments and typing preferences. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch also boasts a mild and neutral sound profile, ensuring a pleasant typing experience without being too loud or distracting. Both switches offer a comfortable and non-intrusive auditory experience, making them versatile options for different users.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Pine switch is characterized by its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing sensation with distinct feedback. It offers a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable during use. Conversely, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke that is gentle on the fingers. Both switches feature a snappy response, making typing on them engaging and responsive.
Overall, the BSUN Pine tactile switch excels in providing a direct and sharply tactile typing experience, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offers a buttery and gentle feel with a balanced level of tactility. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump or a smoother keystroke, both the BSUN Pine and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches deliver satisfying typing experiences that are sure to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a sharp and direct tactility with a quick bottom-out, the Pine switch with its accentuated, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that offers a buttery, mild, and still snappy feel with a moderate sound profile, the Purple Sakura switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing sensation you desire and how it aligns with your preferences.
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